The Memphis Science Fiction Association presented its 2001 Darrell Awards for Best MidSouth Novel and Best MidSouth Short Story in the science fiction, fantasy, or horror fields at MidSouthCon 19, held March 23-25, 2001, at the Holiday Inn Express, Airways and Democrat. Through the generosity of Greg and Dana Bridges, the plaques for the winners included a 1/10th ounce gold coin (U.S. Eagle).

The Winner of the 2001 Darrell Award for Best Novel was The Thieves Guild by Jeff Crook (Wizards of the Coast, publisher), an adventure tale taking place in a fantasy setting of great depth.

The Winner of the 2001 Darrell Award for Best Short Story was "Flight of Fancy" also by Jeff Crook, as seen in Rebels and Tyrants (Wizards of the Coast), a very funny story of gnomes and one human and a flying machine.  Mr. Crook, a Memphis author,  was present to accept the Award.

In the "Other" category, there was no winner, but local author David Blalock did receive Honorable Mention for his web-published story "Reparations" (which appeared on www.apehelion-webzine.com in its December 2000 issue). Also and for the first time, a comic book series by a local creative team received recognition -- Stark Raven, issues 1-3, Ken Smith (creator and writer), received Honorable Mentions in the Other Category, as well.

Honorable Mention for Best MidSouth Novel was given to Stephen Baird for Creiton's Sword (iUniverse.com publisher), a rousing tale set in an alternate universe's Middle Ages. Honorable Mention for Best MidSouth Short Story went to Malra Treece for "A Christmas Ghost Story" as seen in Candlesticks and Cobblestones (Creekwood Press).  Mr. Baird was present to receive the Honorable Mention certificate and applause.

 The Darrell Awards are named in honor of long-time Memphian Dr. Darrell C. Richardson, world-traveler, Baptist minister, internationally-known fan of Edgar Rice Burroughs, and founding member of the Memphis Science Fiction Association. The Darrell Awards are designed to promote regional literacy by recognizing the best published science fiction, fantasy, or horror that is either by a Midsouth author or uses the area in a prominent way.

Previous Darrell Award winners have included  Beecher Smith, Steve Climer, and William Gagliani for Best Short Story, as well as Gary Holleman and Jack McDevitt for Best Novel.

The Association is accepting nominations in short story, novel, and "other" categories for the 2002 Darrell Awards until February 1, 2002, for works published in 2001 and the public is invited to contact the Memphis SF Association as below to obtain a Nomination Form.

 The Memphis Science Fiction Association (MSFA) is a general interest science fiction and fantasy fan club which has been meeting monthly for 26+ years. MSFA publishes Memphen, helps out with MidSouthCon (the annual SF/F convention sponsored by MidSouth Science and Fiction Conventions, Inc.) and gives the Darrell Award. MSFA's Web site is at http:/www.psuedoworld.net/msfa.

 For further information on the Darrell Awards or the Memphis Science Fiction Association, contact Michael Kingsley, 2002 Darrell Awards Committee Chairman, 1742 Lawrence Avenue, # 2, Memphis TN 38112, or via email to kingsleymichael@hotmail.com or to MemphisSF@cs.com.

The Darrell Award Web site is at http://darrellawards.org.